The Buccellati Family on Italian Values and the Heritage of the Brand

In a rare and exclusive interview, the Buccellati family come together to discuss Italian values and the importance of Italy.

Goldsmith Mario Buccellati founded Buccellati in 1919, where he opened his first store in Italy and by 1954 he was expanding globally to New York. The world was fascinated by his intricate handmade designs so much that he was commissioned to create pieces for Royals from all around the world. In 1965 when Mario passed away, the company was taken over by four of his five sons who carried on the Buccellati legacy.

The creative direction of the house has been under the family members since and today the business is overseen by the third generation of the family. Andrea Buccellati, holds the role of Honorary President and Creative Director, Luca Buccellati is the Special Sales/ VIP client Director, Lucrezia Buccellati is the Co-creative designer and Maria Cristina Buccellati is the Global Communications and Marketing Director. Together the four oversee all aspects of the jewellery house and its future development. Today the members of the family come together to share their passion for Italy and what this family business means to them.

What does Italy mean to you personally?

Andrea Buccellati: Italy to me, simply means my wonderful home.

Luca Buccellati: Art, culture and food.

Lucrezia Buccellati: Italy is the reflection of all the arts that make the Italian culture unique, and for me the essentials from the cuisine, the craftsmanship, the poetry, the music and so on, that is felt throughout each city in its own way. That’s what makes this country such a special treasure.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: Italy for me is sunshine and a great lifestyle.

Vintage collection

Tell us more about the importance of “Made in Italy” and why do you think there is such a fascination with this concept globally?

All: “Made in Italy” is a matter of prestige, artisanal skills, and the use of top-quality materials and creativity. All the Italian excellences of Made in Italy are based on traditions and they are mainly family companies, which maintain their heritage and skills and pass them over from generation to generation.

How important is it to you to preserve traditional methods and savoir-faire and when it comes to these techniques – what do you think Italy offers that is unique?

All: The House’s DNA is has been the same since it was founded in1919. Based on inspirations from Italian Renaissance, nature and classic architecture, expressed through ancient goldsmithing techniques. Since then, the creative direction has always been in the hands of a family member, and of course, it has evolved with time and taste. Every family member has brought his/her influence, but the core DNA has remained unchanged. It is important to be faithful to the style and the highest quality, and the family‘s aim is still to protect and guard these values.

Vintage collection

How do you think the values and culture of Italy are reflected through Buccellati?

All: Buccellati is anchored to the beauties of Italy, both from an architectural point of view and from a technical point of view. We are deeply rooted in what Italy has to offer culturally and in terms of beauty in general.

What is the motto you are living by during this difficult time?

Andrea Buccellati: These are very difficult times in Italy, and my motto would be “Never give up”.

Luca Buccellati: Everything will be OK.

Lucrezia Buccellati: Keep busy setting weekly goals and stay positive.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: Be patient and think that all you do is for the greater good.

Looking forward, what does the second half of 2020 hold for the brand?

All: Our goal will always be to preserve our traditions, our artisanal style, and at the same time keep our creativity open for future creative inspirations.

Vintage collection

We want to talk about the latest collections – what can you tell us?

All: As you know Buccellati celebrated its 100th-anniversary last year. The Maison chose to celebrate this special occasion by launching the new Buccellati-cut diamond, a special cut stone with an innovative design inspired by the house’s logo. The diamond is certified by GIA as the Buccellati-cut. With this new diamond, we have designed a very special high jewellery collection of one-of- a-kind jewels. For the occasion of our anniversary, we have also worked on a Vintage collection, made up of historical items that are still presented in many of our stores worldwide and that can partly be purchased. Every object is completed with the original packaging, when available, and a certificate of authenticity. To celebrate the centenary of the House, we have also launched a limited-edition collection of Opera pendants set with coloured stones, and it still is a great success.

Who is the woman that wears Buccellati?

All: Buccellati doesn’t have a fixed cliché client in terms of look, but most of them have a special affinity for art and are culturally sensitive, always ready and keen to discover the history behind the Buccellati style. Women who buy Buccellati understand and appreciate the hard work and great skills of the artisans behind each of our jewels, which have a history to be told and this fascinates our clients a lot.

Growing up, what is your first memory of Italy?

Andrea Buccellati: A beautiful summer spent in Santa Margherita and Porto no.

Luca Buccellati: I remember the long mountain walks in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Lucrezia Buccellati: The sound of the bells of the church next to my house, the fresh cooking aromas, and my grandmother singing Italian songs.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: Playing on the beach in Santa Margherita listening to a very famous song “sapore di sale” by Gino Paoli.

Where in Italy do you like to travel to?

Andrea Buccellati: Everywhere! All places in Italy are very peculiar and different from one another. I love the sea, so the places I love the most are Sardinia, Sicily and the Amal coast.

Luca Buccellati: Tuscany a place deep in my heart.

Lucrezia Buccellati: Everywhere but depends on the season.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: Mostly Puglia it is a region with beautiful landscape, great culture, art, architecture and fantastic food.

Elettra Necklace

Can you share with us any Italian traditions that you to this day continue with your family and friends?

Andrea Buccellati: There are a lot of traditions in Italy, but in the end, a nice dinner with family and friends is one of my favourite times ever.

Luca Buccellati: Cooking for my friends.

Lucrezia Buccellati: Eating Panettone for Christmas.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: The double kiss when you see each other, and I am afraid we will have to stop these due to the current situation.

What’s your favourite Italian dish to eat?

Andrea Buccellati: I like fish, cooked in any way.

Luca Buccellati: Lasagne.

Lucrezia Buccellati: Pasta al pesto.

Maria Cristina Buccellati: Mozzarella.

What’s your favourite Italian phrase?

Andrea Buccellati: “vivi e lascia vivere” meaning “live and let live.”

Luca Buccellati: “Made in Italy.”

Lucrezia Buccellati: “Chi dorme non piglia pesci” meaning “who sleeps won’t take any fish.”